Lasting-machine.



Patented June 13, 1916.

M BROCK tASTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 2, I913.

WWVESSES Q2 @M W I H [W 5 MATTHIAS BROOK, 035' BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR T0 UNITED SHOE MACHINERY COMPANY, OF PATERSON, NEW JERSEY, A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY.

Z '0 all whom it may concern I Be it known that I, Mn'r'rrrms BROOK, a citizen of the United States, residing at Bos ton, in the county of Suffolk and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain Improvements in Lasting-Machines, of which the following description, in connection with the accompanying drawings,is a specification, like reference characters on the drawings indicating like parts in the several figures.

This invention relates to lasting machines and particularly to a new and improved hold-down finger and mounting therefor.

For certain reasons well understood in the trade, including the demand for pliable shoes and the increase in the price of the firmer grades of leather, suitable for insoling, shoe manufacturers are using increasingly thin and pliable stock for the innersole, and it has been found that such an innersole, if properly lasted and sewn, will give the necessary durability in moderately priced shoes together with a high degree of flexibility, which is desirable. In order properly to last shoes having innersoles of such light and pliable stock, certain conditions have to be fulfilled for which special features in the lasting machine are important. Among these may be mentioned provision for preventing the innersole from crumpling at the channel line and thereby allowing the feather to be crowded back out of alinement with the edge of the last bottom. Also the channel lips or rib to which the upper materials are to be sewed are so unresisting that they need to be supported against being crushed inwardly and distorted by the bulky upper materials that are used at the toe of the shoe. Otherwise it is impossible to sew these materials satisfactorily to the innersole lips or rib at the base of the channel. This invention provides means including a hold-down device or finger which fulfils these conditions in a degree not heretofore known, and which has further important advantages. One of these advantages is that it provides an abutment for the inner side of the channel lips or ribs between which and the edge face of the wipers the upstanding bulky upper materials and the lips may be compressed and compacted so that a comparatively narrow and very firm inseam can be sewed. In order to obtain this result the abutment, which is the outer edge Specification of Letters Patent.

LASTING-MACI-IINE.

Patented June 13, 1916.

Application filed September 2, 1913. Serial No. 787,674.

face of the hold-down finger, must fit the contour of the channel around the toe. This contour varies with the size and style of the last and is the reverse in certain respects in a right innersole from what it is in a left one. Heretofore interchangeable, reversible and invertible plates and fingers have been proposed but, in accordance with a further and very important feature of this invention, a hold-down finger is here provided which is so adjustable as to its edge contour that it will fit a wide range of sizes and shapes of broad and narrow right and left innersoles. As shown the lip engaging face of the finger is deformable by adjustment to fit the said wide range of sizes, and shapes. A convenient construction of hold-down finger, by way of example, comprises side members which have convex outer edge faces on their forward ends and are pivotally connected, preferably, indirectly as by a curved link and have parallel legs or supporting members, the finger being therefore U- shaped or hairpin shaped.

Another feature ofthis invention consists in the provision of means for effecting the adjustments of the hold-down finger by relatively moving the side members longitudinally and thereby changing the angular relation of the side members and the link, said means preferably acting for retaining the finger in adjusted position with the degree of security required by working conditions.

In accordance with a further feature of this invention which may, or may not be employed, novelmeans is provided which may be used for holding the finger on its carrier at different inclinations to the horizontal whereby it can be adapted to the spring or lengthwise inclination of bottoms of the different styles of lasts. a This adjustment should be effected by the operator very quickly and without the use of tools. To this] end a means is also provided by which adjustment to different inclinations may be made and maintained with or without provision for the maintaining means to tighten automatically in response to strain tending to lift the end of the finger. Also in accordance with a further feature of this invention a connection between the finger and its support may be provided which permits the finger to yield under excessive strain so that too great force may not be applied to the tinge; I have devised a con? will now be described in connection with the drawings and willthen be pointed out in the claims.

Figure 1 is a perspective View of so much of a lasting machine and its hold-down mechanism embodying this invention as appears necessary to illustrate the present improvements in the simplest form. is a plan View showing the way the holddown finger is adaptable to fit against the rib around'the toe of a left shoe. Fig. 3 shows how the finger appears in edge elevation fitting against the innersole, rib. Fig. 1 showsthe finger ofFig. 2 deformed or adjusted as to shape to fit the contour of a right shoe toe. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the hold-down provided with the preferred adjustments. Fig. 6 shows the thimble and Fig. .7 the finger holder block of Fig. 5. Fig. 8 is a detail of the spring adjuster of Figs. land 5.

An arm 6 which carries the hold-down is mounted in a g'uideway in a block ljfor adjustment longitudinally to vary the position of the hold-down transverselyof the shoe. The block 4: iscarried by an operatingrod 2 which may be moved vertically by suitable mechanism such for example as that shown in United States Letters Patent No. 1,120,822, granted December 15, 1914:, on application of Eugene L. Keyes. The arm 6 applies to the shoe, over the ball of the last, the heavy holding down pressure desirable for clamping the shoe rigidly upon the toe rest 7, of the lasting machine While the lasting plates Wipe the upper at the side of the last. The arm has a spindle 8 at its outer free encl'for holding the finger that extends I forwardly therefrom into engagement with the toe portion of the innersole.

The hold-down finger may beconnected to or mounted upon its carrier in different ways two of which are here shown In Figs. 1, 2 and 3 the spindle 8 is integral with the arm and a finger holding block 10 is angularly adjustable thereon to hold the finger at the desired inclinationto the horizontal to suit. the spring of the last. The block Fig. 2

rigid, reliance being placed upon the resilience of the finger itself, such attachment preferably includes a yielding element to avoid overstraining or breaking the finger. As shown, a spring bar 15 is attached at its rear end to arm 6, extends over a fulcrum block 16, and into an eye in the block 10. The arrangement permits the block to turn on the spindle 8 under extraordinary pressure, as when an operator may unwisely use the hold-down on a shoe having much less spring than that for which the finger is set, and the spring 15 returns the finger again to normal position. This normal position is determined variably by an adjusting stop screw 14 mounted in a lug formed on the carrier arm 8. The fulcrum 16 may be an eccentric frictionally pivoted and adjustable by a handle 17, as best shown in Fig. 8. While the adjustmentpermissible by loosening the clamping nut on the spindle 8 may serve very well, it is preferred to use means for effecting, as distinguished from permitting, such adjustments as may be desirable for different lasts. To this end the finger holding block 10, see Figs. 5, 6 and 7, may

carry a spindle 18, Fig. 7 which extends into a thimble 20, Fig. 6, that has a reduced stem confined in the arm 6 and is provided with the eye to receive the spring 15. The

spindle 18 is toothed for engagement with a screw or worm 22 by which the block 10 and the hold-down finger mounted in it can be adjusted expeditiously to suit the spring of each style of last as it comes along in the days work. The force for holding the shoe rigidly down on the toe rest may be applied through the block 10 as in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, but when the block is made adjustable as in Fig. 5 the arm 6 may be extended under the block to apply the pressure directly. The advantage of the latter construction is. that the pressure applying surface maintains constant angular position unaffected by the adjustment of the block 10 and relieves the finger connection of part of the strain of holding down the shoe.

The block 10 is slotted from front to back in its lower portion to receive, preferably,

the spring steel side membersor the legs 25, 26 of the hold-down device or finger, and has an overhanging ledge, Fig. 7, in which is rotatable the stem of an adjuster 28 in the foot 29 of which are two oppositely located crank pins, one larger than the other, to engage correspondingly proportioned holes in the right and left legs 25, 26 of the hold-down finger. A. pin 27 limits the rotation of'the adjuster foot and a spring 29 encircling the stem of the adjuster holds the pins in their holes but permits elevation to disengage the legs for substitution of different fingers. The front portions of the legs 25, 26 are curved outwardly to constitute the side members of the rib engaging portion or head of the finger and they are preferably connected by a link 30 which constitutes the end member of the finger and is contoured on its outer edge to engage the rear face of the rib of the innersole, all as in Figs. 1, 2, 3, at and 5. The rib engaging members may be beveled on their upper edge, as indicated and the use of large and small pins and holes in the legs 25, 26 provides against assembling the holddown with the finger wrong side uppermost.

The adjuster 28 provides for advancing one leg and retracting the other to change the edge contour of the finger, or to deform it, to adapt it to the rib line of right and left toes of the same style and to a considerable variation in styles. A finger having a differently shaped head may be substituted for a style oftoe requiring it. A friction plate 82 bearing against an edge of the adjuster maintains adjustment.

The narrow legs 25, 26 and the narrow Walls abutting against the rib of the innersole present a minimum of obstruction to sight of the shoe bottom while the shoe is being lasted and permit the usual fulcrum block of hand pincers to be rested upon the innersole as the operator is accustomed to do. This is of importance as compared with a hold-down plate which hides the middle portion of the innersole toe and on which the fulcrum block slips in a way annoying and delaying to the operator. The finger which has been referred to as U- shape, see Figs. 2 and 4, or hairpin shape, having regard to its enlarged loop atthe front or closed end, may be made without joints and some of the advantages of this invention obtained, or the flexibility for adaptation to different shapes can be obtained otherwise than by the joints shown.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is 1. A lasting machine hold-down comprising a carrier movable over a shoe supported by the lasting machine, a finger supported by said carrier and having an edge contour to fit behind the innersole rib of a right shoe, and means for effecting a change of contour of said edge to cause it'to fit a corresponding left shoe.

2. A lasting machine hold-down finger having a continuous edge which is flexible and can be adjusted to present different contours to fit behind the innersole ribs of shoes having variously shaped toes.

3. A lasting machine hold-down comprising a carrier movable over a shoe supported by the lasting machine, and a finger supported by said carrier and constructed and arranged for adjustment to cause the same portions thereof to present different edge contours so as to fit behind the ribs of wide toes or of narrow right or left toes.

i. A lasting machine hold-down finger comprising side members having their for ward ends formed with convex outer faces, and an intermediate member pivoted to said side members and shaped to fit against the portion of the rib lying between the convex faces of the side members.

5. A lasting machine hold-down comprising a carrier movable over a shoe supported by the lasting machine, and a finger supported by the carrier and having a U- shaped form, the loop thereof being adapted to rest against the rib of an innersole and the said loop being constructed and arranged to permit variations of form to fit toes of different shape. I

6. A lasting machine hold-down compris ing a carrier movable over a shoe supported by the lasting machine, and a finger mounted therein and having a U-shaped form, the loop thereof being adapted to rest against the rib of an innersole and being open to afiord a bearing upon the innersole for the fulcrum portion of a lasters hand pincer.

7. A lasting machine hold-down comprising a carrier movable over a shoe supported by the lasting machine, a finger comprising side members, a link connecting the forward ends of the side members, and means for adjusting one of the side members longitudinally relatively to the other.

8. A lasting machine hold-down comprising a carrier movable over a shoe supported by the lasting machine, a finger comprising side members, a link connecting the forward ends of the side members, and means for effecting equal and opposite longitudinal adjustment of the side members relatively to the carrier whereby the link and adjacent parts of the side members are adjusted in their exterior contour to fit against the toe portion of the innersole rib of right and left shoes.

9. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a hold-down carrier movable over a shoe bottom, a hold-down finger carried thereby and having a deformable lipengaging edge face, and means between the carrier and the finger for adjusting the finger into various shapes corresponding to the inner faces of the lips of right and left toes.

10. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a hold-down carrier movable over a shoe bottom, a hold'down finger carried thereby and having a deformable lip-engaging edge face, and a crank connection to the lip engaging member through which the contour of the lip-engaging member may be changed.

11. In a hold-down, a carrier, a U-shaped finger constructed and arranged to be de-' 12. A lasting machine hold-down comprising a carrier movable over a shoe supported by the lasting machine, and a finger mounted therein and having a U-shaped form, the loop thereof being adapted to rest against the rib of an innersole and open to afford a bearing upon the innersole for the fulcrum portion of a lasters hand pincer.

13. A lasting machine hold-down finger comprising side members connected at the front end to form an open loop, the outer wall of which constitutes an innersole rib abutment.

14..A lasting machine hold-down finger shaped like a hairpin with an open loop at the front end wider than the legs'of the pin, and means having connection with the rear portions of the legs by which to support the finger. Y

15. Ina hold-down, a carrier, a U-shaped finger constructed and arranged to be deformed at the bend by movement of the straight portions, and means for maintaining the finger in adjusted position.

16. A lasting machine hold-down having, in combination, a carrier movable over the bottom of a shoe and a hold-down finger having a flexible portion adapted to engage the rear face of the innersole rib to support the same during the action of the lasting wipers.

17. A lasting machine hold-down having, in combination, a carrier movable over the bottom of a shoe, a hold-down finger carried thereby and having a flexible portion adapted to engage the rear face of an innersole rib at the toe of the shoe, and means for flexing the rib engaging portion of the finger to adjust the finger to fit variously shaped toes. 1

18. In ahold-down for lasting machines, a finger for engaging the toeportion of a shoe, a support therefor, a mounting for the finger, and resilient means between the ,mounting and the support which will yield to excessive upward pressure upon the finger. 19. A hold-down for lasting machines having, in combination, a support, a hold-down finger mounted upon the support for adjustment; in avertical plane, and a resilient connection between the finger and the support permitting slight movement of the finger independently of said adjustment.

20. A hold-down for lasting machines having, in combination, a carrier, a member having a stem rotatably mounted in the carrier, a finger carried by said member, and

a spring bar secured to said carrier with one end engaging said member to permit yielding movement of the finger aboutsaid stem.

21. A hold-down for lasting machines having, in combination, a carrier, a member having a stem rotatably mounted in. the

carrier, a finger carried by said member, a spring bar secured to said carrier with one end engaging said member to permit yielding movement of the finger about said stem and to return the finger to normal position, and means to determine adjustably such normal position. 22. A hold-down for lasting machines having, in combination, a carrier, amember having. a stem rotatably mounted in the carrier, a finger carried by said member, a spring bar secured to said carrier with one end engaging said member to permit yielding movement of the finger about said stem, and an adjustable fulcrum over which said spring bar acts and by which the normal tension of the spring can be varied 28. A hold-down for lasting machines having, in combination, a carrier, a member having a stem rotatably mounted in the carrier, a finger carried by said member, a

spring secured to saidcarrier with one end engaging said member to permit yielding movement of the finger about said stem, andmeans for varying the tension of the spring.

24. In a hold-down for lasting machines, the combination of a hold-down finger, a carrier therefor, connections between the carrier and the finger permitting rotation of the finger in a vertical plane, means normally holding the finger against rotation but permitting the finger to turn wheniit is subjected to unusual strains, and means for varying they force with which the finger is normally held against movement.

25; In a hold-down for lasting machines, the combination of'an operating rod, a block on the rod having a guideway arranged transversely of the rod, a carrier mounted in the guideway, a hold-down finger, a connection for the finger comprising a stem journaled in the carrier for movement about a horizontal axis and having peripheral teeth, and a worm mounted on the carrier and engaging the teeth, the worm being adapted to be turned to adjust the angle of the finger in a vertical plane.

26. In a hold-down for lasting machines, the combination of a hold-down finger, an arm extending transversely of the shoe bottom and arranged for adjustment longitudinally, a finger connection mounted on the arm and holding the finger in operative position over the forepart of a shoe, and a spring arranged between the connection and the arm to force the finger against the toe portion of the shoe bottom.

27. A lasting machine hold-down finger 28. A lasting machine hold-down compris- I ing a carrier movable over a shoesupported by the lasting machine, a fingercomprising extension from the arm underlying the connection and adapted to contact with the shoe to relieve the connection of part of the strain 15 of holding down the shoe.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing Witnesses.

MATTHIAS BROGK.

Witnesses: V

EVERETT W. VARNEY, O. BLANOHE' HARGRAVES.

Games of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents. Washington, D. G. 

